Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

No, die-cast zinc (often called "zinc alloy" or Zamak) is not safe for direct food contact in most cases, especially for prolonged or repeated use.

Here’s why:

1.Lead and Cadmium Content

Traditional die-cast zinc alloys (Zamak 3, Zamak 5, etc.) often contain small but significant amounts of lead (up to 0.005–0.007% in standard grades) and sometimes cadmium. These heavy metals can leach into food, especially in acidic conditions (e.g., tomato sauce, citrus, vinegar).→ Even tiny amounts of lead are toxic over time, especially for children. Cadmium is a known carcinogen

2.Regulatory Standards  FDA (USA):

A. Allows very strict limits for lead in food-contact materials (typically ≤0.001% or 10 ppm for leachable lead). Most standard die-cast zinc alloys fail these migration tests.

B.EU REACH / LFGB (Europe): Similar restrictions. Standard Zamak is not approved for food contact.

C.NSF/ANSI 51 (food equipment standard): Die-cast zinc is generally not certified unless specially formulated and tested.

3.Exceptions (Rare)

Some manufacturers offer “food-safe” or “low-lead” zinc alloys (e.g., ACuZinc, or alloys certified to NSF/ANSI 372 for drinking-water use), but these are expensive, not common, and still usually limited to indirect or occasional contact (e.g., faucet bodies, not cookware or utensils).

4.Real-World Examples of Problems 

A. Cheap kitchen gadgets (lemon squeezers, garlic presses, some coffee machine parts) made of die-cast zinc have been recalled or failed tests because of lead leaching.

B.Powder-coated or chrome-plated die-cast zinc can still leach metals if the coating wears or chips.

Safe Alternatives for Food Contact

A.Stainless steel (304 or 316)

B.Aluminum (anodized or with certified coatings)

C.Cast iron

D.Food-grade silicone

E.Certified low-lead brass or bronze (if marked NSF/ANSI 61 or 372)

Bottom Line

Standard die-cast zinc = NOT food-safe.

Avoid using die-cast zinc parts (even if they look shiny or plated) for anything that directly touches food or drink for more than a few seconds. If you’re unsure about a specific part, assume it’s unsafe unless the manufacturer explicitly states compliance with FDA/EU food-contact regulations and provides test reports.